Assemblyman Joe Patterson, a Republican representing Rocklin, has introduced AB 1652, a bill that would prohibit elected and appointed officials at California state agencies from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to legislation and regulations.
“This bill is an essential step in increasing transparency throughout California’s government,” Assemblyman Patterson said.
The new measure builds on previous efforts by Patterson. Last year, he advanced legislation that barred legislators from signing NDAs. The current proposal extends this restriction to state agencies in order to enhance accountability across all levels of state government.
“It is vital that every branch of government functions to help Californians, not hide information from residents,” Patterson stated. “Californians have a right to know how their taxpayer dollars are being spent.”
AB 1652 retains a narrow exemption for proprietary information and trade secrets, similar to the earlier NDA bill. This allows for the use of NDAs only when necessary to protect business trade secrets while preventing officials from withholding information relevant to citizens.
“The goal of this bill, just like last year, is simple,” Patterson said. “Our state government must not conceal lawmaking and budgetary information from citizens, especially when that information directly relates to the use of taxpayer funds.”
Patterson represents California’s 5th Assembly District, which includes communities such as Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Auburn and others. He serves constituents in Placer and El Dorado counties according to his official biography. Before joining the State Assembly in 2022 as noted on his official website, Patterson served on the Rocklin City Council and was mayor in 2019 according to his biography. He grew up in Napa before moving into the region in 2000 as described on his biography page.
Patterson’s background includes legislative staff roles and work with businesses on regulatory issues according to his official biography. He attended Sacramento State University and completed the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship as listed on his biography.
He is also active in community life through coaching youth sports and participating in local activities with his family according to his official biography.
